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95K
TheKimSixFix
TheKimSixFix Blogger San Francisco, CA on Aug 05, 2012
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Modernizing an 80's Oak Kitchen

For more information about this project (including more photos and detailed tutorials) please visit: http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2012/08/kitchen-...#

Previously, this kitchen (originally installed in 1988) was too monochromatic. The color of the cabinets and the floors was too similar and the small island was lost in sea of golden oak. The awful drop ceiling fluorescent light was extremely dated and the lack of cabinet hardware only emphasized the arched paneled doors which didn't feel very modern..

I stained the center island dark brown, and painted the cabinets a warm cream color (Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore) I added hardware to the cabinets and removed the old fluorescent lights which I replaced with 2 pendants and some LED cans. I tiled the backsplash with pencil tile to accentuate the generic granite countertops. I also updated the kitchen faucet and removed a few cabinet doors to break up the monotony of the cabinet doors. ...»

The entire transformation (including the new Bosch appliance suite) came in under $3500. I did all the work myself, including the electrical, plumbing and tiling. The transformation took a little less than 3 weeks.

#Bestof2012

  • Like Clip
    3
    I added simple trim molding on the ceiling to not only mask where the old lighting fixture had been, but also to add architectural detail to ceiling and...
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    1
    A pencil tile backsplash modernizes the space and draws your eyes away from the arched cabinetry.
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    2
    The island (which is stained and not painted) is now distinguished from the rest of the cabinetry and stands out against the honey oak flooring.
  • Like Clip
    1
    By removing the doors on the cabinet, backing it with beadboard wallpaper and trimming out the corners with shelf brackets, there is now more...
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    2
    New paint, cabinet hardware, appliances, fixtures, lighting and a backsplash completely transform this kitchen without any major renovations to the space.
  • Like Clip
    4
    By removing the doors on the cabinet, backing it with beadboard wallpaper and trimming out the corners with shelf brackets, there is now more...
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    3
    New paint, cabinet hardware, appliances, fixtures, lighting and a backsplash completely transform this kitchen without any major renovations to the space.

To see more: http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2012/08/kitchen-reveal-80s-to-awesome.html#

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40 Comments Displaying 25 of 40 comments | See Previous
  • Marlaina Smith Lakeland, FL
    What an excellent way to change the entire look. I have 1990's oak kitchen a large island -now I'm really thinking of just changing the stain/color.
    on Feb 03, 2013 · Like 0
  • Rose S Marietta, GA
    But I so like my Cherry wood cabinets and paneling. What is wrong with natural stuff?
    on Feb 23, 2013 · Like 1
  • Cathy C
    Was your middle island laminate and , if so, how did you stain it?
    on Feb 23, 2013 · Like 0
  • Debbie Borthwick Canada
    I remember this post from a while back, loved it then, still love it, if not more!
    on Feb 23, 2013 · Like 0
  • TheKimSixFix San Francisco, CA
    Cathy C The island backing is actually plywood, it just 2 lower cabinet boxes with a granite countertop. It took the stain like the rest of the cabinets.
    on Feb 23, 2013 · Like 0
  • Josie Queen Creek, AZ
    the "before" picture in #1 is very different from the "before" picture in #5... Different floors and counters. Why? The redo is beautiful, but it seems like this may have been a more major redo than you made it out to be.
    on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
  • TheKimSixFix San Francisco, CA
    The "before" picture is a listing from the MLS when we purchased the house. The new counters and floors were not part of this remodel, they were done earlier.. that is why they are already replaced in the other "before" photos.
    on Feb 24, 2013 · Like 0
  • Barb T Pittsburgh, PA
    Last night I received an estimate for refacing my cabinets. Cost $8,000.00 plus hardware. I am going to do what you did and save myself a "ton" of money. Great idea. I am going white also. Fantastic job!
    on Mar 06, 2013 · Like 0
  • Heather Benton Canada
    It's stunning! I just recently painted our dark oak cabinets in Annie Sloan chalk paint and love it. What a difference some paint can make!!
    on Mar 14, 2013 · Like 0
  • Liz sheppard Millsboro, DE
    thanks to you i painted my ugly oakcabinets this past weekend inot going to say it wa easy my friend gor siskwith a cold so I did it all by MY SELF and so pround of it stillhav eto put newcounter tops/sick andsome more hardware it looks so much brighterandclaeaner and wasable to put a milky chocolate on the wall to bring out the cabinets i have posted some pic but should havewaited till i'm done thank you for posting your pictures liz sheppard from de
    on Mar 14, 2013 · Like 0
  • TheKimSixFix San Francisco, CA
    Nice job Liz! It is a lot of work, but definitely worth it!
    on Mar 15, 2013 · Like 0
  • Barb T Pittsburgh, PA
    Thank you Thank you. My doors are now primed with white...the drawers are next. Never would have done this without you. I'm looking forward to my "new" kitchen.
    on Mar 15, 2013 · Like 1
  • Abigail Brunnert Jefferson City, MO
    This is amazing! I want to try this but not sure if I am brave enough. I have painted bedrooms before but not sure if I have the expertise to paint cabinets, still thinking it over.
    on Mar 18, 2013 · Like 0
  • Julie - Lilacs & Longhorns Dallas, TX
    This looks so great! I have an oak kitchen I'd like to update as well. Unfortunately, my husband loves the stained oak!! Aaargh!! :) LOVE yours!!!
    on Mar 19, 2013 · Like 0
  • Elaine Simmons Florence, AZ
    Lilacs, I am in the same boat......hubby does not want me to touch my maple cabinets. I have black and white/silver granite on my counter tops. I just don't like the combo but was there when we bought the house and got a good price on the house so we went for it. I think a survey should be done on why men do not want us to paint anything wooden!
    on Mar 20, 2013 · Like 1
  • Nurseshelley@tctwest.net Shepherd, MT
    Great job, look out bathroom vanities!!
    on Mar 21, 2013 · Like 0
  • Pat Moss West Richland, WA
    Kate, you are not alone..I can't stand that kind of backsplash..it's everywhere and so boring. Love all the beautiful tile types they have in the sores, this is just to busy and a big fade right now.
    on Mar 22, 2013 · Like 1
  • Maggie D Durham, NC
    I like the size of that kitchen island. Where did you get it?
    on Mar 25, 2013 · Like 0
  • TheKimSixFix San Francisco, CA
    The island is just a double base cabinet with a granite countertop and a rounded shelf on one end.
    on Mar 25, 2013 · Like 0
  • All Things Heart and Home Marietta, GA
    Beautiful!!!
    on Apr 18, 2013 · Like 0
  • Barb T Pittsburgh, PA
    My "new" kitchen is almost done. I had 1957 birch cabinets. Lots of sanding, 2 coats of primer and 4 coats of white paint has done a wonderful job of transforming the room. Refacing cost would have been $12,000. I'm at about $1,000. Lots of LABOR, but well worth it.
    on Apr 19, 2013 · Like 0
  • Theda Hack Edwardsburg, MI
    I usually am not a fan of light colored kitchen cabinets but I LOVE the look of this kitchen! Hmmmm....I have builder oak cabinets in my kitchen and wonder how this would do?
    on Apr 29, 2013 · Like 0
  • Maggie D Durham, NC
    I don't think in the long run, refacing is a good option for kitchen cabs. You did the right thing by refinishing your cabs if they're good quality pieces. The transformation is fabulous. This shows that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to do a kitchen upgrade.

    As for the details, the open cabinet on the left was very thoughtful, breaking up all the cabinetry and allowing for little pops of color. The new appliances look great, the lighting - really ...»

    really good choice, overall, I would give you an A+ on your project.

    Did you ever say what your hard costs were?

    on Apr 30, 2013 · Like 0
  • Maggie D Durham, NC
    Theda - Sometimes a white kitchen just doesn't work. I'm going through a renovation and also debated the white cabs. I like them, but my townhouse is from the 80s - that means no style, and the white cabs would not have worked. I finally chose cherry, and they do add panache to the space. Not stiff and "done looking" but elegant and really pretty. I'll try to send pics of the before and after for all to see and critique, ha ha.
    on Apr 30, 2013 · Like 1
  • Ken Sturmer Hudson, FL
    I'm normally a fan of wood cabinets, that aside you did an excellent job! I don't know how long the trend toward painted cabinets will last. But for now, your kitchen looks great!
    on May 01, 2013 · Like 0

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